Growing tomatoes in your apartment

Gardening’s all the rage now — even the Obamas have gotten in on the game. Growing your own food doesn’t just provide great-tasting produce and a sense of satisfaction, though: in a conversation in March, Ogden Publications publisher (and farmer) Bryan Welch noted that starting a garden may be the single best thing you can do to lighten your environmental impact… it’s likely even better than changing the light bulbs.

Gardening is challenging if you’re an urbanite. It’s not impossible, though… with a little creativity and elbow grease, even the smallest apartment dweller can enjoy fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs. Some ideas:

Be a square: If you do have a little bit of yard space, Mel Bartholomew’s Square Foot Gardening methods shows you how to make the most of it.

Go guerrilla: If you’re feeling adventurous, why not plant some vegetables on land you don’t own? Of course, there may be green spaces available in your neighborhood — check with your city government or neighborhood association.